Leominster City Council votes to deny Fairgrounds Overlay District zoning amendments

Leominster City Council has taken a decisive step to protect the community by unanimously recommending the denial of a controversial zoning amendment proposal during their meeting on July 14, 2025. The proposal, known as Petition 47-25, sought to establish a Fairgrounds Overlay District at several locations, including Mechanics Street and the city landfill property.

Council members expressed significant concerns regarding the potential environmental and traffic impacts of the proposed development. Councilor Tassi highlighted existing traffic issues in the area, stating that the proposal would exacerbate these problems. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing neighborhood concerns, recalling advice from a former councilor to "never hurt people where they live."

Councilor Pauline Cormier, representing Ward 2, echoed these sentiments, noting that the community had voiced strong opposition to the proposal. She emphasized the need for further evaluation of the landfill's condition before considering any development, stating that the proposal did not provide clear benefits to residents.

The council's discussions also referenced historical concerns about the landfill, with Councilor Verdanza citing a 1984 EPA report that raised alarms about potential hazardous waste issues. This historical context underscored the council's reluctance to proceed with any development that could disturb the landfill, which has a history of environmental concerns.

The unanimous recommendation to deny the zoning amendment reflects the council's commitment to safeguarding the community's interests and addressing the concerns raised by residents. As the council moves forward, they will continue to prioritize thorough evaluations and community input in any future development discussions.